Gingival pigmentation associated with antimalarial drugs

Two cases of pigmentary changes in the gingivae as well as other oral sites are described. The bluish pigmentation is related to the oral administration of the antimalarial drug Camoquin. The literature is inconclusive as to the nature of the pigment and the pathogenic mechanisms involved. Some authors believe the pigment to be hemosiderin but there seems to be growing evidence that the pigmentary changes result from increased melanin formation. The pigment fades away gradually after the use of the drug is discontinued. The pigmentary changes described assume an increased importance in the differential diagnosis of oral pigmentary lesions as the antimalarial drugs are becoming more popular in the treatment of various dermatologic disorders.